beauty
Try though we might to glam up its image with the more exotic French spelling, there is still something rather comical about a good old face mask. A sort of Marcel Marceau effect gone wrong, it's no wonder many women reserve mask applications for girls' nights in.
But there is something very comforting about a face mask. For a start, the required waiting time for masks to work their wonders - usually 15 to 20 minutes - is licence to do nothing but relax. They are cheap, easy to use and good for you to boot. They can exfoliate skin, helping prevent dead-cell build-up, soothe blemishes and contract pores, as well as make your face feel tighter, softer and smoother.
Go the whole home beauty-treatment hog by steaming your face over a basin of hot water first. This opens pores and enables the mask to get right in there and cleanse deeply.
Although today many masks on the market are suitable for all skin types, they do differ. Some deep cleanse, others hydrate and a select few, specifically those for acne, will help to soothe spots.
Try to use a facial mask about three times a month, particularly at the end of a season when skin also changes.
Masque Nourrissant by Nuxe
A creamy formula, similar in texture to a moisturiser, this mask contains nine essential oils to purify and stimulate skin, vitamin E for protection, and grapefruit, birch and seaweed to tone and refresh. After leaving it on for 20 minutes, skin looked noticeably cleaner, brighter and even slightly younger. A wonderfully luxurious-feeling product for all skin types.
Cleansing Clay Mask by Dr Hauschka
Water has to be added to turn what looks like dust into a clay paste: a slightly messy process. The end product looked and smelled like mud, which gave the impression that few, if any, chemicals had been used. It flaked a little when dry and felt itchy, but the skin was very smooth and looked super-clean afterwards.
Acne Mask by Neutrogena
This clay in a tube was light and easy to apply and comfortable to wear. However, although spots seemed to be less prominent, my face looked red and blotchy, and felt itchy after the mask had been washed off. The packaging recommends leaving it on for less than the suggested 20 minutes if irritation occurs but you don't know that until you try it so proceed with caution from the first.
Soothing Gel Mask by Kiehl's
Containing herbal ingredients including camomile and dandelion, this product smelled reassuringly plant-like and looked like honey. It was gentle on the skin - I could barely feel it on - and gave skin an even-toned glow.
(All masks were tested on combination skin.)
